Physical Activity In College Students Research Articles

Functionality of Fitness Applications and the Physical Activity of College Students

The study determined whether the functionality of fitness applications predicts the level of physical activity of Chinese college students. In the process, the study assessed the level of physical activity and functionality of fitness apps in terms of exercise, recreation, and sports. Data were gathered through online survey with the use of a researcher made questionnaire. The study showed that the respondents were engaged in light physical activity only. This is true in all the sub-variables of physical activity which are exercise, recreation, and sports. The study also showed that the respondents rated their fitness apps as slightly functional only in exercise, recreation, and sports. Simple linear regression was used in determining whether the functionality of fitness apps significantly predict physical activity.

Gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity among university students: a post-COVID-19 pandemic study

Purpose Malaysia transitions from a pandemic to an endemic state, beginning on April 1, 2022. The dietary intake and physical activity of university students were altered during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement period, but there is limited information on this topic in the post-COVID-19 period. This cross-sectional study aims to understand gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity among university students and investigate the factors influencing their body mass index (BMI) in the post-COVID-19 period. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire used in this study comprised three main segments: sociodemographic information, a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Findings Results indicated that males exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean intakes of total dietary energy and macronutrients compared to females. Compared to the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes 2017, 76.4% of males and 68.8% of females had a sufficient daily energy intake. The majority of males (52.7%) and females (46.4%) were moderately physically active. Regression analysis revealed that male university students with lower fiber intake (ß = −0.309, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher BMI reading after confounding adjustment. However, a similar trend was not observed in female university students. Practical implications Understanding the gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity can provide insights into the development of effective gender-specific health promotion strategies and the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among university students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Originality/value This study provides insights into the gender differences in the dietary and physical activity habits of university students, as well as the factors influencing their BMI in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

The Role of Food Insecurity and Dietary Factors on Intensity of Physical Activity

Food insecurity is a prevalent issue among college students and is defined as the lack of access to reliable and nutritionally adequate foods. It leads to poor diet quality and increased anxiety and stress, which can make motivation to participate in physical activity more challenging. However, the specific role that food insecurity plays in physical activity and diet quality among the college population has yet to be thoroughly studied. To address this gap in the literature, the current study aims to assess the impact of food insecurity on diet quality and physical activity. It is hypothesized that those who report food insecurity will engage in less physical activity and have lower diet quality, potentially due to the lack of energy from a poor diet, and the preoccupation with pressing concerns for food access. Individuals over the age of 18 completed an anonymous survey that was distributed via social media and messaging platforms. The survey included demographic questions and seven validated scales including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Food Mood Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Health Promoting Activities Scale, and Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Effciency, and Duration (SATED) Questionnaire. These scales measured food insecurity status, physical activity levels, self-esteem, dietary habits, perceived stress, health promoting activities, and sleep. Data from 561 individuals were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coeffcient in IBM SPSS Version 28.0. The results show that being unable to consume nutritiously adequate foods was negatively associated with participating in vigorous exercise (r= -0.122, p< 0.01). However, feeling hungry but not eating and going a whole day without eating were positively associated with performing moderate activity (r= 0.124, p< 0.01; r= 0.130, p< 0.01). Alongside this, it was revealed that consumption of whole grain foods was positively associated with vigorous physical activity and negatively correlated with the consumption of fast or pre-packaged foods. (r= 0.168, p<0.01; r= -0.124 p<0.01). In addition, the inability to eat healthy and nutritious foods was found to be negatively associated with consumption of whole grain foods and positively associated with the consumption of fast or pre-packaged foods (r= -0.110 p<0.01; r= 0.115 p< 0.01). These findings confirm that food insecurity is associated with lower diet quality and likely moderates the type of exercise performed. These phenomena may be explained by potentially lower metabolic energy, constant food-related stress, which negatively impacts motivation to perform, and the impact of socioeconomic status on the physical activity of college students. No funding was provided to conduct this research study. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

An investigative study of anxiety, depression and sleep quality in college students after the COVID-19 pandemic - the moderating effect of physical activity

To explore the current situation of anxiety, depression and sleep quality among college students after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the moderating effect of physical activity on negative emotions, and to provide a theoretical basis for colleges and universities to formulate corresponding interventions. An online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out by convenience sampling method on 801 college students from China through the General Information Questionnaire (GIQ), Anxiety Self-Rating Scale (ASRS), Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PQIS), and Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS). Data were analysed using SPSS 25.0 software and Pearson correlation was used to explore the correlations between variables. The scores of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and physical activity level of the 801 college students included in the study after the Covid-19 pandemic were 37.15, 40.93, 2.9, and 14.44, respectively; and the detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and sleep disorders were 41.09%, 42.89%, and 30.82%, respectively. The detection rate of negative emotions was significantly higher in females than in males, and the senior group was significantly higher than the junior group in terms of depression and anxiety symptoms. The amount of physical activity of college students was significantly negatively correlated with anxiety (r=-0.691, P<0.001), depression (r=-0.767, P<0.001), and sleep quality (r=-0.814, P<0.001); anxiety was positively correlated with depression (r=0.622, P<0.001) and sleep quality (r=0.598, P<0.05); and positive correlation between depression and sleep quality (r=0.512, P<0.05). After the Covid-19 pandemic, college students showed different degrees of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, the appropriate frequency of exercise can effectively improve the negative emotions of college students, and colleges and universities should pay attention to guiding the students and give them enough care and support to improve their mental health status.

Student sports data analysis and physical fitness evaluation based on convolutional neural networks

<p>In order to achieve the analysis of student sports data and physical fitness evaluation, the author proposes a method based on convolutional neural networks. A hybrid algorithm combining genetic algorithm and error backpropagation algorithm (BP) is used to train convolutional neural networks. The algorithm first uses genetic algorithm for global training, and then uses BP algorithm for local precise training. This overcomes the drawbacks of traditional BP networks such as long training time and frequent local atmospheric drift, and improves global circulation performance. A neural network model was established to display the relationship between the total physical activity score and multiple test scores of high school students by utilizing electrical networks to demonstrate the connectivity of the neural network. This model aims to evaluate the athletic performance of college students and compare the results with other experimental models. The results indicate that the neural network-based model for evaluating college student physical activity can reflect the differences in physical activity and scores among all students, making it a suitable standard for evaluating high school student physical activity. The fitting accuracy of deterministic neural network models is higher than that of multiple linear regression models, which means that neural network models better reflect the performance of the network. The accuracy of various indicators of student physical fitness and total score makes the model easy to operate, accurate to predict, and effective analysis is scientifically reasonable.</p>

The Effects of Nomophobia on Posture, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Physical Activity in University Students

The Effects of Nomophobia on Posture, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Physical Activity in University Students

Effect of the Underwater Ai-Chi Exercise Program on Hip Joint Mobility, Body Balance and Posture Change Based on Amount of the Physical Activity of College Students

Effect of the Underwater Ai-Chi Exercise Program on Hip Joint Mobility, Body Balance and Posture Change Based on Amount of the Physical Activity of College Students

Retracted: Daily Physical Activity of College Students Based on Embedded Accelerometer

Retracted: Daily Physical Activity of College Students Based on Embedded Accelerometer

Policy Demands on Promoting Physical Activity for College Students in China

In China's current higher education environment, the normalization of sedentary behavior makes college students a typical population with an inactive lifestyle. In order to effectively promote physical activity behaviors among college students, it is necessary to develop physical activity policies for college students in China. By investigating the physical activity level of Chinese college students, this study verifies the necessity of promoting physical activity in college students. Moreover, the present study analyzes the situation of policy demand from three aspects: policy content demand, policy effectiveness demand, and policy non-mandatory demand. The findings show there are policy demands on (1) policy content supplementation in college settings, (2) policy effectiveness based on the assumption of “limited rationality,” and (3) giving the freedom of decision-making. This study can provide reliable advice for policymakers on physical activity for college students in China.

Research on the intervention practice of the school physical education environment on the physical activity of college students

Purpose: This study discusses the main factors that affect the physical education environment of universities and college students' physical activity levels. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used the questionnaire method and the experimental method to conduct exploratory research on 286 college students (boys = 141, girls = 145) in eight teaching classes from new comers to senior students at Chongqing Normal University (one experimental class and one control class in each grade). Findings: The main factors of the school’s physical education environment were the interpersonal social environment, the natural physical environment and the physical education system environment. There was no significant statistical difference before the experiment. The experimental group showed statistical differences after the experiment. A substantial effect size was found in the intervention's effectiveness tests (2 * 2 ANOVA) and (2 * 3 ANOVA). Conclusion: The school physical education environment can efficiently promote the improvement of the physical activity level of college students and the improvement effect has specific time persistence. The interpersonal social environment, the natural physical environment and the physical education system environment can be carried out when participating in the school’s physical education environment. Research Limitations: The limitation is that the experiment period needs to be longer. Practical Implications: Intervention practice can effectively improve college students' physical activity through the school sports environment. Contribution to Literature: This paper explores a new way to promote college students' physical exercise.

Effect Of A Motivational Coaching Intervention On Exercise Motivation And Physical Activity Of College Students

Effect Of A Motivational Coaching Intervention On Exercise Motivation And Physical Activity Of College Students

Lower Daily Physical Activity In College Students Participating In Courses Taught Online Versus In-person

Lower Daily Physical Activity In College Students Participating In Courses Taught Online Versus In-person

Emotional Intelligence and Physical Activity in College Students at UNWE

In light of the increasing hypodynamia, mental health problems and the influence of psychosocial factors in students, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the determining role of emotional intelligence in their motor performance. The problem of physical activity and emotions is particularly relevant after the global pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The aim of our study is to assess the emotional intelligence (EI) of students and its predictive nature on physical activity behavior (PA) among students. 190 college students from UNWE were studied. Emotionally aware students are found to be more physically active, and participating in FA can be an effective way to improve their physical, psychological and emotional health.

Intramural sports social networks and implications for college student physical activity, sense of community, and retention

Objective: This study examines associations between social networks developed through intramural sports and physical activity (PA), sense of community, and retention. Participants: College students participating in intramural sports at a large public university in the Southern United States (n = 250). Methods: Students self-reported PA, sense of community, retention, and social networks developed through intramural sports in Fall 2022. Logistic and linear regression determined significant individual and network factors associated with PA, sense of community, and retention. Results: Participants were significantly more likely to meet PA recommendations (Nagelkerke R2=.24) if they were younger, male, and reported more people in their networks were physically active often. Participants reported a greater sense of community (R2 =.28) and retention intention (R2 =.26) if they reported meeting PA recommendations, feeling closer to network members, and more relationships improving through intramurals. Conclusion: Results underline the importance of creating quality intramural experiences for college students.

Nicotine dependence affects cardiopulmonary endurance and physical activity in college students in Henan, China.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking on physical activity level, emotional status, and cardiopulmonary endurance in healthy young Chinese college students in order to develop future nicotine dependence management solutions. This survey-based study was conducted in college students aged 19-26 years who were currently smoking. Cardio-respiratory endurance was assessed by estimating VO2max. Participants were given a questionnaire containing five factors from the Cigarette Dependence Scale-5 (CDS-5), also assessed were variables for physical activity level, using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and emotional status. The sports training behavior was assessed using the Coaching Behavior Scale for Sport (CBS-S). A total of 400 participants were randomly selected and included in the study. All of them were current smokers. The highest percentage of participants had a score of 4 on the CDS-5 (n=93, 23.2%), scored 3-5 on each module of sports training, and experienced negative emotions, particularly depression (n=172; 43.0%) and anger (n=162; 40.5%). VO2max levels were significantly lower in participants with high nicotine dependence (CDS-5 score 4-5), and they correlated negatively with CDS-5 scores (r= -0.883, p<0.001). Nicotine dependence scores were negatively correlated with physical activity levels (r= -0.830, p<0.001), and high nicotine dependence scores were independently related to low physical activity (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=14.66; 95% CI: 4.98-43.19 , p <0.001). Tobacco smoking has a negative impact on emotional status. It also reduces cardiopulmonary endurance by reducing VO2max levels and negatively affects physical activity. Accordingly, it is critical to implement effective tobacco prevention programs for college students, such as a smoking warning system and physical exercise training, as well as to educate them on how to quit smoking.

Predictive model of the intention to practice physical activity in university students of pedagogy in Anto-fagasta (Chile)

The drop in the physical activity between the youth produces concern among the physical activity and health professionals. Several authors present the existing problems of physical inactivity in Latin America, highlighting the decrease in practice as age increases. Different researches have tried to identify variables that could explain this decline. The aim of this study is to establish the relationship between the perceived fitness and some characteristics of present practice and how these ones predict the future physical practice. The sample was composed of 299 students of several careers of Pedagogy belonging to the University of Antofagasta (Chile). Descriptive, correlational and regression analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical program. Among the obtained results, it stands out, on the one hand, the significant interrelationship between the variables which describes the current physical activity, the perceived fitness and the priority physical activity. And on the other, all the variables under study are predictors of physical activity practice in the future. This discovery highlights the importance of strengthening the sports programs from the university that adapt to the needs of university students. Keywords: physical activity; perceived fitness; university; Latin America.

Eating behavior and physical activity of university students during the Covid-19 pandemic

Debido a la pandemia del COVID-19 se modificaron los hábitos del estilo de vida afectando a todas las personas. En el caso de los estudiantes generó todo tipo de emociones, incertidumbres y estrés impactando en la ingesta de alimentos, libertades de desplazamiento y otros factores que pueden afectar su salud general. El objetivo fue determinar el comportamiento alimentario y el nivel de actividad física de estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas durante los meses de junio y julio del 2021. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo observacional descriptivo transversal y el tipo de muestreo fue no probabilístico de casos consecutivos por bola de nieve. Se utilizó una encuesta virtual adaptada de Márquez et al. y el cuestionario Internacional de Actividad física (IPAQ), en el cual participaron 242 universitarios. Esta investigación contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción con resolución N° 669/2021. Se observó que el 90% de los estudiantes tenían comportamientos alimentarios saludables. El 55% presentó un nivel bajo de actividad física o era inactivo, el 87% permanecía más de 4 horas sentado en un día hábil. La mayor parte de los estudiantes presentaron un comportamiento alimentario saludable, pero al tener un nivel de actividad física bajo o inactivo y pasar más de 4 horas sentado en un día hábil, es preocupante ya que representa un factor de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles.

Relationships between personality traits, high school sports participation, and physical activity of college students in the United States

Objective: The study aimed to 1) examine relationships between contexts of PA, personality traits, and high school sports participation (sports) and 2) determine significant PA correlates in a college population. Participants: 237 undergraduates at a university in the United States between September 2020 and May 2021 participated. Methods: Participants completed a survey evaluating PA, personality traits, sports, and demographic variables. Pearson partial correlations assessed correlations between different PA domains, personality traits, and sports. Conscientiousness was positively associated with all PA measures (r = .14-.30), except for active transport PA. Sports were related to vigorous and leisure PA. Conscientiousness is related to PA measures and is a significant PA correlate. However, more research is necessary to understand if leisure time PA can enhance Conscientiousness.

Relationship among positive self-esteem, physical literacy, and physical activity in college students: a study of a mediation model.

In light of the substantial decline in physical activity during college years, this study aims to examine the relationship between positive self-esteem, physical literacy, and physical activity in order to investigate the mechanisms for improving physical activity in college students and to provide a foundation for future interventions. A cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. A total of 5,184 Participants, aged between 17 and 21 years (M = 18.97, SD = 1.10), completed the Positive Version of Rosenberg Self-esteem Scales, Perceived Physical Literacy Instruments, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. A mediation model was utilized to explore the associations among the three concepts. The three regression models were as follows: Physical literacy = 18.03 + 0.98 *Self-esteem, Physical activity = 43.23 + 0.16 *Self-esteem, and Physical activity = 28.18 + 0.11 *Physical literacy. Positive self-esteem, physical literacy, and physical activity were significantly linked with each other. Physical literacy mediated 26.93% of the effect, indicating a partial mediator in the relationship between positive self-esteem and physical activity. The mediating effect of physical literacy on the relationship between positive self-esteem and physical activity was identified. Our findings support the development of positive self-esteem and physical literacy in college physical education curricula as part of an overall program to address students' physical inactivity at school and in the future. This study provides a new intervention perspective for improving physical inactivity in college students.

College students became more morning in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: impacts on sleep, mood, sunlight exposure and physical activity

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the sleep, sunlight exposure, chronotype, mood and physical activity of college students in two consecutive years during the COVID-19 pandemic (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-4m5j4s). The students (n = 318) answered questionnaires in two moments (2020 - time 1 and 2021 – time 2). The data showed that there was less sunlight exposure and a chronotype with more morning tendencies in the time 2, but with no difference in sleep quality. College students walked more and sat less on weekends, but with no difference in the physical activity level. Physical activity and morning chronotype were associated with lower psychological impact. Therefore, college students, despite being less exposed to sunlight and having greater morning trends in 2021, maintained psychological symptoms, sleep quality and physical activity in the first two years of the pandemic. However, students who practiced physical activity and were mornings suffered less psychological impact.